Gering was founded in 1887 at the base of a bluff which is now a National Park called Scotts Bluff National Monument. The city of Scottsbluff was founded across the North Platte River from the bluff in 1900. Separated only by the river, the two cities have since grown together and now form the 8th largest urban area in Nebraska.
Geography
Gering is located at 41°49'27" North, 103°39'54" West (41.824251, -103.665009)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.7 km² (3.8 mi²). 9.7 km² (3.8 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 7,751 people, 3,173 households, and 2,170 families residing in the city. The population density is 798.0/km² (2,067.8/mi²). There are 3,332 housing units at an average density of 343.1/km² (888.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 91.48% White, 0.13% African American, 1.14% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 5.56% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. 13.40% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,173 households out of which 31.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% are married couples living together, 10.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% are non-families. 28.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.39 and the average family size is 2.93.
In the city the population is spread out with 24.6% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $35,185, and the median income for a family is $42,378. Males have a median income of $32,750 versus $22,026 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,775. 7.8% of the population and 5.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 8.3% are under the age of 18 and 7.4% are 65 or older.